Dead Europe by Christos Tsiolkas (Atlantic), R112,95. ISBN: 9780857891228 - It took the success of The Slap to have Christos Tsiolkas’ fifth novel published in the UK in 2011.

In Dead Europe, Isaac, an Australian photographer, goes on a disturbing journey through various European cities.

He starts in Greece, where his mother was born. In most cities he ends up at the dark side of town, populated by prostitutes and drugs. 

Another story also begins in Greece, but during World War 2. Isaac’s grandparents look after a Jewish boy.

The grandmother gets pregnant by him and then has her husband kill him.

From that moment the family is haunted by a demon.

Reading the novel requires a strong stomach – there is anti-Semitism, sex and bodily fluid in excess. It brought me uncomfortable insights about Europe, though.

The stark realism of his journey combined with the magical realism of the demon bring a tough message home.

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